3 minute read
eye on the bay
Is it just us, or has this been a particularly wet, cold and nasty winter? We've spent so many days shut up indoors lately, itching for some fresh air and exercise while rain pelts against our window, that we're starting to go a little stir-crazy — and we were crazy enough to begin with. But in nature, all things ultimately balance out. So, just as the gloomy days of winter follow the sun-kissed days of fall, the glorious coming of springtime will soon chase Old Man Winter back into hibernation. And for sailors, that'll mean it's time to spruce up the boat, load up the cooler, and get out on the water for some carefree fun. You needn't wait for a special occasion like a race, raft-up, or fl oating offi ce party, just follow your instincts and spend a few hours poking around the Central Bay with no particular agenda. We guarantee that your outlook on life
Spread: Laid-back sailing up Raccoon Strait. Inset left: No one to sail with? Bring along Rover. Inset right: Shakin' loose the cobwebs.
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will be a whole lot rosier by the time you return to your slip. Go out solo or bring along a boatload of your closest friends; invite your special someone for an intimate tour of the Cityfront, or just take along your favorite house pet. Whatever. The point is, don't allow yourself to procrastinate until all your brightwork has been touched up and your stainless has been polished, just throw off the docklines and use the darned boat! Just so you know, the fi rst day of spring is offi cially March 20, but we're hoping for plenty of sunny, rain-free days before then. In the Bay Area boating scene, spring brings with it a slew of worthwhile on-the-water events. On March 6 the Spring Keel Regatta kicks off on the Cityfront. The next weekend the always-festive Big Daddy Regatta will dominate the Berkeley Circle and, while we're at it, the Rites of Spring Regatta will be held on the 20th. April will bring the start of Beer Can racing at YCs from Stockton to Santa Cruz, while May will be ushered in by the enormous Great Vallejo Race and ushered out by the Master Mariners'. As you can imagine, the spring calendar is literally jam-packed with exhilarating event for boats of all types and sizes. To our way of thinking, spring is the season, like no other, whose arrival will put a smile on your face. Down through the ages, hundreds of authors have waxed poetic about the coming of spring, but we think Doug Larson said it best: "Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush."
Whether you're sailing a sportboat, a heavy cruiser or a classic woodie, a stint of spring sailing will cure your winter blues.
— latitude/andy
We do it all up here:
CUSTOM MARINE METAL FABRICATION CUSTOM MARINE METAL FABRICATION
- Custom fuel, water and hydraulic tanks - Custom bow rollers - Custom cabins & rails - We'll fabricate anything: steel, stainless, nickel and aluminum - USCG-approved
Also: - Boat & RV storage - Engine/Outdrive service and repair - Electrical troubleshooting/repair - Fiberglass and gelcoat repair SANTA ROSA S N TA ROSA A BOATCEN T E R BOAT & RV CENTER - Anti-fouling bottom paint
